Can't create Symbolic link to hosts file

i have group of servers require maintain single c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts file.

i tried create symbolic link "master hosts" file in doing broke name resolution on host.

here steps performed
1. ran cmd administrator

2. deleted hosts file

3. created link mklink c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts \\servername\share\master_hosts.txt

when completed explorer pov everyting looked , worked great.  if dragged host file notepad saw correct master.  changes made master represented in local hosts file, etc... name resolution broke.  

is not possible uses symbolic links on files.  documented anywhere? 

if posible there somethign special needs done?

as side note if going test suggest snapshot vm first.  restoring host file not fix nor rebootng.

edit: servers 2008 r2

hello,

based on description, tested issue in environment , result same yours – symbolic link cannot used full replacement of hosts file.

from experience, possibly caused different way used system, access system files. approach, “link” cannot accepted.

if want change name resolutions series of computers, why not add cname in dns record? see http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc783826(v=ws.10).aspx

thanks.

regards,
miya

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miya yao

technet community support

Windows Server  >  Windows Server General Forum